Boilermakers Country

Stats, Highlights from Zach Edey's First NBA Preseason Game

Zach Edey had a solid outing in his first NBA preseason game. The rookie finished the game with six points and seven rebounds for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Dustin Schutte|
Grizzlies' Zach Edey (14) takes part in a three-point shooting contest
Grizzlies' Zach Edey (14) takes part in a three-point shooting contest | Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Purdue BoilermakersMemphis Grizzlies

Zach Edey got his first taste of the NBA on Monday night, with the Memphis Grizzlies playing the Dallas Mavericks in the first preseason game for both teams. The rookie out of Purdue showed off his skill on both ends of the floor.

Edey concluded the preseason opener with six points, seven rebounds, one block and one steal. The Grizzlies defeated the Mavericks 121-116.

The two-time National Player of the Year at Purdue played pretty well on the defensive end for Memphis, although he did find himself in foul trouble. He picked up five personal fouls in his 18 minutes on the court.

Edey was a skilled interior defender with the Boilermakers, but learning to avoid those fouls will probably take some adjustment for the 7-foot-4 big man.

Perhaps the highlight of the night for Edey came early in the second quarter when he scored his first bucket. After teammate Ja Morant drew in three Dallas defenders on a drive, he lobbed a pass to Edey, who slammed it home with authority.

But Edey can do more than just dunk the basketball. Later in the game, he showed off his post game, knocking down a jump hook late in the third quarter.

Yes, there's still plenty for Edey to work on in his rookie season, but he got off to a pretty solid start on Monday night.

Memphis returns to action on Thursday night, hosting the Charlotte Hornets in the second preseason game of 2024. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.

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BRADEN SMITH FOCUSED ON FINAL FOUR: Braden Smith was selected as the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year, but the Purdue's focus is on winning another Big Ten title and returning to the Final Four. CLICK HERE

CALEB FURST FEATURE STORY: Caleb Furst started in 33 games in his first two seasons at Purdue. He took on a reduced role last season, putting the team above the individual. Now, he's ready to help the Boilers win again. CLICK HERE

MATT PAINTER TALKS TRANSFER PORTAL: Matt Painter continues to recruit, develop and retain his players at Purdue. Will he ever have to utilize the transfer portal? Only when it becomes necessary. CLICK HERE

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Dustin Schutte
DUSTIN SCHUTTE

Dustin Schutte is the publisher of Purdue Boilermakers on SI and has spent more than a decade working in sports journalism. His career began in 2013, when he covered Big Ten football. He remained in that role for eight years before working at On SI to cover the Boilermakers. Dustin graduated from Manchester University in Indiana in 2010, where he played for the men's tennis team.

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